Cards prepared to let Dansby test market
 

NEWS
Report: Cards prepared to let Dansby test market
Posted: February 19th, 2010 | Frank Tadych | Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Karlos Dansby, Pat Kirwan, Rod Graves

We’ve written a lot in this space on the pending free-agent future of Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby. So, there’s really no reason to stop now.

The Arizona Republic reported late Thursday, through a private team source, that the Cardinals are prepared to let Dansby test the open market and will not apply the franchise tag on the six-year veteran for the third consecutive year. This latest report falls in line with what has been reported elsewhere in recent weeks, although the team’s official site reported earlier this week that GM Rod Graves has yet to make the final decision on whether the Cardinals will use their franchise or transition tags.

Either way, we’ll find out soon – the deadline for tags is Feb. 25. And, it doesn’t necessarily mean Dansby’s tenure is over, either, as both sides have publicly remained open to his return.

Bob McManaman also notes that Dansby is said to be eyeing a contract that guarantees him around $30 million in a new deal. By not using the franchise or transition tag, the Cardinals appear willing to let Dansby find out if the market will command as much as he would receive with the tag.

There’s also a possible curveball scenario, as noted here first by NFL.com analyst Pat Kirwan, suggesting the Cardinals could opt to use the transition tag on Dansby to guarantee the right to match any offers.